1st Anniversary of our 5 heroes

[GLORIOUSFIGHTER]

23rd November 2008, marks the 1st anniversary of the loss of our 5 finest rowers.

A year ago, Stephen Loh, Poh Boon San, Jeremy Goh, Reuben Kee and Chee Wei Cheng lost their lives doing what they love most. In this unfortunate event which happened in Cambodia last year, shook the entire nation and the dragon boat community.

Safety measures while dragon boating have been implemented but is it enough? Or more could be done to ensure the safety of participants. Yes, we do agree that the 'association' has been more active, looking into the safety aspects of the racing events. But I guess more could be done if the 'association' is firm on its stand on the safety measures.

The dragon boat community was and still is, utterly disappointed for the fact that even the least the 'association' could do to commemorate the 5 rowers by observing a minute of silence, was not done in this year's Singapore River Regatta 2008. The last day of the SRR08 was exactly one year since the tragic accident.

Has the 'association' forgotten about the 5 fine young sportsman? Or do they have any other reasons for not doing that? This is a big question mark which we all do not know and do not understand.

One thing I am sure, our 5 heroes still live in our hearts and will always be remembered in the Singapore history of dragon boating.

[boyfromcc]

Yes. I agree with you. I, for one, even though i know that it was their anniversary towards the SRR, i was guilty because i didnt know the exact date even though it was 5 months after my birthday.

To let it go by without any commemoration of their anniversary is rather 'rude' for a lack of better word. How many of us know that despite the SRR excitement, that it was their anniversary? A simple 1 minute of silence wasnt even observe. If at SAVA they can observe a few minute of commemoration for the breast cancer survivors, why not for this case?

Maybe a special commemoration race can be held in the SRR itself (similar to last year Master series where they did one lap around Bedok reservoir for their deaths...i mean come on, dont tell me they cant spare a few minutes for them, who have sacrificed for this sport) or an external one before or just after the SRR where there will be no prize but just as a token of appreciation for their participation. Or something.

I for one thought that tragedy would strike again when one of RP paddlers 'went down'. And this again tests the efficiency and the readiness of how to react to which sadly they didnt react fast.

Why is the organisation still being ignorant about whats happening still? Why are they still being stupid?

[boatingkid]

Yes. I agree with you. I, for one, even though i know that it was their anniversary towards the SRR, i was guilty because i didnt know the exact date even though it was 5 months after my birthday.

To let it go by without any commemoration of their anniversary is rather 'rude' for a lack of better word. How many of us know that despite the SRR excitement, that it was their anniversary? A simple 1 minute of silence wasnt even observe. If at SAVA they can observe a few minute of commemoration for the breast cancer survivors, why not for this case?

Maybe a special commemoration race can be held in the SRR itself (similar to last year Master series where they did one lap around Bedok reservoir for their deaths...i mean come on, dont tell me they cant spare a few minutes for them, who have sacrificed for this sport) or an external one before or just after the SRR where there will be no prize but just as a token of appreciation for their participation. Or something.

I for one thought that tragedy would strike again when one of RP paddlers 'went down'. And this again tests the efficiency and the readiness of how to react to which sadly they didnt react fast.

Why is the organisation still being ignorant about whats happening still? Why are they still being stupid?

RP paddler went down?
really?

[John Teoh]

There was a private memorial service on Sunday evening for familes and friends and I believe some of us had attended the service. For those who want to remember them and have a facebook account, you can join the facebook group created for them. The link is below.

In Honor of Stephen, Boon San, Jeremy, Reuben & Wei Cheng

[PaddlesUp!]

Yes. According to my friends, it happened at the end of the minor finals.

They claimed that one of the paddlers from RP Team B fainted and fell head first into the water. Medics did not react fast, and were caught off guard despite much shoutings from Team B.

Spectators just stood there and watch, not helping out in any manner.  

Thank goodness the nearby teams that were also paddling with the Team B, helped out by actually fetching the medic over. Kudos to the NYP and NP for that.

[boatingkid]

Yes. According to my friends, it happened at the end of the minor finals.

They claimed that one of the paddlers from RP Team B fainted and fell head first into the water. Medics did not react fast, and were caught off guard despite much shoutings from Team B.

Spectators just stood there and watch, not helping out in any manner.  

Thank goodness the nearby teams that were also paddling with the Team B, helped out by actually fetching the medic over. Kudos to the NYP and NP for that.

typical of us Singaporeans, stand aside and not bother.
thankfully there are people who were there to help.
otherwise we've have our own incident here.
and yes, kudos to the opposing teams who helped.
a clear display of sportsmanship there.

[John Teoh]

Anyone know how's the guy now? Hope he is alright.

[hoosies]

His name is Kwok Yong. He is fine now, smiling eating burger and drinking heaven and earth green tea standing a chance to win $28K, haha, his just opposite me. But his fine, doing well. Thanks to the people who help him.

[Placid]

Spectators just stood there and watch, not helping out in any manner.   

His name is Kwok Yong. He is fine now, smiling eating burger and drinking heaven and earth green tea standing a chance to win $28K, haha, his just opposite me. But his fine, doing well. Thanks to the people who help him.

glad to hear that. i don't think it's fair to blame people not helping cos sometimes too many people around can mess things up even more. like, can you imagine 10 people squeezing on the narrow and slippery steps to try to carry him up? someone might actually fall and there will be more casualties.

processes to get medics' attention can definitely be streamlined so that regardless where the incident happened, response will be prompt.

something for SDBA to consider, since there is an ever increasing emphasis on safety for water sports.

[Trivium]

did you guys know that one of the bumboats actually hit the SP boat prior to the IVP Finals, even injuring one of the SP boys.

Seriously, I don't know what SDBA is thinking. Y hold a race there when the dangers are so prominent? For the sake of the Boat Quay Merchant Assocation's sponsorship?

SRR is a disaster waiting to happen. Will they only shift the race location if a serious accident happens?